2019 Bordeaux > Porto

18 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Bordeaux

On arrival, your friendly crew will welcome you aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux for your seven night cruise.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Bordeaux > Saint-Émilion

Enjoy a pleasant morning cruise on the Dordogne River to Libourne. While cruising, perhaps try your hand at a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, an absolute visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true trip highlight.

Celebrate the 2000-year history of wine by enjoying a glass at the estate of Château de la Rivière. Surrounded by the vines, mingle with newfound friends, explore the spectacular property or discover the artistic heritage of this region and admire a local artist painting the stunning landscape using paint made from the wine grown on the estate.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Libourne

Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church. Alternatively, explore the exquisite estate of Château Franc Mayne and taste its Grand Cru Class wine, or view the eclectic city of Bergerac and enjoy a foie gras tasting at a charming local farm.

Cruise the tranquil waters of the Dordogne River before you glide across the wide expanse of the mighty Gironde Estuary bound for Blaye. This afternoon perhaps join your on board culinary team for a cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Blaye

Discover the remarkable Blaye region today.

Stroll through the Citadel of Blaye or take an active walk through the town. Alternatively, join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass in Scenic Culinaire or relax as we cruise to Pauillac.

Set in the spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century, the château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable classical concert this evening. Soak in the ambience while live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Médoc

This morning, immerse yourself in the scenic Médoc wine region and discover why it is regarded as the world’s leading red wine producer, then sample the region’s finest at Château Gruaud-Larose estate. Or, cycle throughout this beautiful region stopping along the way for a wine tasting.

This afternoon discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle, including a walk through the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively visit a local estate, and learn its fascinating history while sampling some of the extraordinary wines produced on site.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Cadillac

Venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Château Guiraud dessert wines. Or cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to taste the exquisite Grand Cru Class wines of Château Myrat. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Cadillac including a visit to Château de Cadillac,
a truly beautiful château that dates back to the 15th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Bordeaux

Today, discover the World Heritage-listed city of Bordeaux with its idyllic boulevards and architecture.

Shop with a Chef at a local food market before cooking up a storm during your exclusive cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire. Or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux, passing the Royal Gate, the Palais Rohan and through public gardens back to the luxury of your 5-star floating hotel.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Bordeaux before a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Bordeaux > Porto

Disembark and transfer after breakfast to Bordeaux airport and enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure tonight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Porto > Entre-os-Rios

Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical style building which started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete (or Misericórdia do Porto Museum located on the historic Rua das Flores when Palacio da Bolsa is not available). Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Entre-os-Rios

Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and is dominated by the impressive Ducal Palace, which dates back to medieval times. It’s a great tour to kickstart your interest in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile.

Enjoy a blissful cruise to Regua where you have the chance to explore the Douro Museum at your leisure. Learn about the culture, history and identity of the people living in this wine growing region of the Douro Valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Regua

This morning, discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. En route, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge, spanning the crystal-clear waters of the Varosa River.

Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the Lamego museum, both of which you will get the opportunity to visit. Alternatively, enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Regua > Vega de Terron

Enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Salamanca

Take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. From humble beginnings during the Iron Age to darker times, such as economic crises and the War of the Spanish Succession, Salamanca has been shaped over time to become the fascinating beauty it is today. Explore the city on a guided tour before some time at leisure followed by a fabulous ‘Tastes of Spain’ experience. Your lunch today will be accompanied by an energetic Flamenco dance performance.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - Pocinho > Pinhão

Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. If you’re more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. Alternatively, you could join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and visit Casa Painova for a sweet almond workshop and a tasting of their almond, olive and fruit products.

Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck of Scenic Azure, surrounded by newfound friends as you sail this picturesque stretch of the river towards Pinhão.

Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 - Pinhão

Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets with locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience exclusive to Scenic guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada.

Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to the estate of Quinta Roeda for a tasting of their famous export. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a tasting among the vines.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 - Pinhão > Porto

Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto.

The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The facade is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in this wondrous surrounding.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 - Porto

Visit the oldest remaining Canning Factory in Porto for an insight into their 100-year-old family business. Or visit a local corking factory (Canning and Cork Factory are not available on all departures, will be replaced by Filigree Workshop or Paper Museum with workshop, enquire for details). Or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the regions famed drop in one of the most famous cellars of Porto.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 - Porto

Your cruise of Portugal’s Douro Valley concludes after breakfast as you’re transferred to Porto airport. Your time in the Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you’ll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends.